Dilemma #1: Should I hand-wash or dry clean my delicates?
Manufacturers are required to list only one safe cleaning method on the label, so while dry cleaning may give the best results, you may have other alternatives. But keep in mind that fabrics or linings may shrink, and colors and trims can bleed when your garment hits the water. If you take the plunge, you do so at your own risk.

Use cold water and always spot-test before dipping, and never, ever wet-wash silk, wool, leather, suede, velvet if the label says "dry-clean only," or garments with special trims that could be damaged by washing.

Dilemma #2: My cashmere sweater pills easily.
Even expensive garments pill if the yarns are poor quality and made from staple (short) fibers that break off and ball up, instead of filament (long) ones. To minimize pilling, wash garments inside out (if permitted by the care tag) and gently remove pills with a sweater shaver, or even a new kitchen scrub sponge. Skip sticky tape rollers, which can make the problem worse.

Dilemma #3: I need to wash dingy whites that have colored trim.
You can safely whiten many mixed-color garments, like white sport socks with blue trim, by using chlorine bleach. Follow label directions, spot-testing the bleach first, then add just the recommended amount. But don't use chlorine bleach on any item whose label clearly cautions against it.

Dilemma #4: I dripped food on dry clean-only fabric.
Relax — there's no need to detour to the dry cleaner on your way home from the restaurant. While it's still best not to wait too long, most dry cleaners can successfully remove a stain that's two to three days old. But past a week, even the best dry cleaners may not be able to completely erase the stain.

Dilemma #5: My black clothes are fading.
Just as whites don't stay white, black materials often fade to, well, off-black. The excess dye that's put on to make the fabric look really black in the store wears off quickly. Add to that a trace amount of chlorine in wash water and soon you're seeing gray. While there's no fix-it once it's happened, for new items, use detergents with anti-fade formulas. They contain ingredients that tie up chlorine ions in the water so colors stay true.

Dilemma #6: My no-iron knits are wrinkly.
Even knits that are supposed to be easy-care (read: less work) can emerge from the dryer wrinkled and unpresentable. To avoid this, make sure neither the washer nor dryer is overloaded — cramming sets in creases, so never double up dryer loads. Also, choose a slower spin speed on the washer (so wrinkles on clothes aren't whipped in) and a lower dryer temperature, and remove items promptly when the dryer stops tumbling (clothes that are left to settle will also crease).

Carolyn Forte is the director of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute Home Appliances and Cleaning Products department.